Job Description

About Water For People

Water For People India is an international non-profit organization which supports people of developing countries to improve their quality of life by promoting locally sustainable drinking water sources, sanitation facilities and health and hygiene programs. We believe that access to safe water and adequate sanitation are basic human rights and can help put an end to needless suffering and mortality from water-related preventable diseases.

Water for People India initiated its operations in West Bengal in 1996 in Nadia and North 24 Parganas districts. Consistent with the global vision and mission, we exist to promote the development of high-quality drinking water and sanitation services, accessible to all, and sustained by strong communities, businesses, and governments. Our organizational values are: Amplify all voices, Integrity, courage, Environmental Stewardship and Collective Transformation. Water for People India programs have been implemented in 18 districts in the states of Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal.

We aim to build capacities at the district level which will contribute to organizational commitments, thereby indirectly benefiting 14.8 million people. Water for People India implements programs through locally registered non-government organizations.

Workplace Values

●        Environmental Stewardship- We are committed to being responsible stewards of the environment. We fight growing environmental inequities and are intentional in our partnerships and decision-making around environmental practices. We believe climate action and protection of water resources is essential for the long-term health of the planet for future generations.​

●        Integrity- We act honestly and transparently to inspire trust. Our commitment to our values is unwavering in how we relate to each other (we walk the talk) and in how we do our work and what it costs. We construct and support systems that create a fair and decent world and we do what is right in the most efficient and accountable manner.

●        Collective Transformation- We believe in the power of collective action. To proactively challenge the status quo, we share our strengths and learnings with partners and embrace new ideas. We believe collaboration leads to richer ideas and more robust solutions.​

●        Courage- We encourage brave exploration of new ideas and informed risk-taking. We believe being intentional and stepping into the unknown is the cornerstone of innovation. We foster a culture of creative problem-solving and open communication to proactively discuss hard topics for continuous evolution

●        Amplify All Voices- By putting people first, celebrating diversity, and pursuing justice, we prioritize our shared humanity. We support the meaningful participation and autonomy of individuals from all backgrounds. We amplify local voices while investing in the well-being, skills, and opportunities of all.

Position Summary

The Community Research Associate will play a key role in supporting an off-grid sanitation pilot by engaging directly with urban slum residents. The role focuses on building awareness, trust, and long-term usage of the system through inclusive community interactions. Responsibilities include mobilization, hygiene promotion, and participatory feedback collection to ensure the solution reflects community priorities. The Associate will also contribute to monitoring and evaluation by conducting surveys, facilitating focus group discussions, and documenting community insights that guide project adaptation and scaling.

Duties and Responsibilities

Community Mobilization & Awareness

·        Lead community mobilization campaigns, including household visits, awareness sessions (target: 48 sessions), and outreach to introduce the sanitation system and its benefits.

·        Build trust and acceptance by sensitizing users on proper usage, hygiene practices, menstrual hygiene, and maintenance protocols.

·        Facilitate onboarding of users, ensuring inclusive access, especially for women, and encouraging consistent facility utilization.

·        Promote safe hygiene and sanitation behaviours through workshops, demonstrations, and ongoing engagement.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Feedback

·        Conduct focus group discussions (FGDs), intercept surveys, and feedback sessions to assess user satisfaction (target: ≥80%), willingness to pay, and behavioural changes.

·        Administer baseline, midline, and endline surveys as part of M&E, collecting data on visits, regular users, and system usability.

·        Contribute to reporting by documenting community insights for progress reports, lessons learned, and gender strategy documents.

Stakeholder & Community Relations

·        Serve as the key liaison between the project team, community, and stakeholders, addressing concerns and promoting responsible usage.

·        Support commercialization by assisting in prospect tours and showcasing user impacts to potential adopters.

·        Participate in exit strategy by coordinating handover, training community members for O&M, and ensuring post-pilot sustainability.

·        Handle risks such as community resistance by employing local engagement strategies and feedback loops.

·        Ensure equity and inclusion in all activities, focusing on vulnerable groups and climate-resilient practices.

·        Manage ad-hoc community issues, such as low engagement or misuse, through proactive interventions.

Prerequisites for the position

Below are the key qualifications and standards that could be considered:

·        Bachelor’s degree in social work, Community Development, Sociology, or a related field.

Experience:

·        2+ years of experience in community engagement, mobilization, or WASH programs in urban slums

Skills & Competencies:

·        Strong skills in conducting surveys, FGDs, and awareness campaigns.

·        Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with fluency in Hindi, Marathi, and English.

·        Proficiency in data collection tools and basic reporting.

·        Ability to work extensively in field settings, with empathy and cultural sensitivity.

·        Commitment to gender equity, inclusion, and sustainable development.

Email ID for CV Submission: hr-india@waterforpeople.org with subject line “Community Research Associate - Mumbai” with a cc to Kashmira Nagar

How to Apply:

Please apply on email ID mentioned, very briefly mention your current salary and WASH Related experience (in yrs) before 6th September 2025, while mentioning title of the position in subject line.

Water For People India is a certified, Great Place to Work organization and is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture.

Individuals with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with strict confidence.

Water For People has ZERO Tolerance on sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment including sexual harassment and gender / racial discrimination. Any selection therefore will be subject to satisfactory reference and background check.